The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed beneath the Forth Bridge as it embarked on post-maintenance sea trials. The vessel departed from the Rosyth dockyard in Fife on Sunday following an extended period of maintenance, having been docked there since July 2025.
After leaving Rosyth, the carrier remained at anchor in the Firth of Forth for several days before proceeding under the iconic Forth Bridge on Thursday to commence its trials. The ship, capable of carrying up to 60 aircraft, underwent significant maintenance work during its time in dry dock.
HMS Queen Elizabeth was officially christened at Rosyth on July 4, 2014, by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The carrier is named after the Tudor monarch Queen Elizabeth I, reflecting a tradition of naming Royal Navy vessels after notable figures in British history.
The sea trials are designed to test the ship's systems and capabilities after the maintenance period, ensuring it is fully operational for future deployments. The successful completion of these trials will mark a key milestone for the aircraft carrier, which serves as the flagship of the Royal Navy's carrier strike group.
